What are the symptoms of alcoholic gastritis?

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Symptoms of alcoholic gastritis include: nausea, upset stomach, a burning sensation after eating and at night, abdominal pain and bloating, indigestion, vomiting, hiccups, black and tarry stools and diminished appetite. Gastritis occurs in two basic forms: acute and chronic. The condition stems from inflammation or erosion of the muscular linings in the stomach and esophagus and, in the acute form of gastritis, symptoms arise suddenly, while they gradually increase in time in chronic gastritis.

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With gastritis, treatment varies depending on source of irritation. In addition to excess alcohol consumption, causes of gastritis include excessive stress and use of certain medications. The presence of a certain bacteria, called Helicobacter pylori, which embeds into the lining of the stomach, may also trigger gastritis. Certain forms of anemia and a vitamin B12 deficiency cause some cases of gastritis too. Lastly, bacterial and viral infections contribute to gastritis development as well. According to WebMD, patients experiencing symptoms of short-term and chronic gastritis should consult their physicians for testing. Left untreated, gastritis may worsen. Patients can develop secondary digestive issues too, including ulcers and even stomach cancer. For diagnosis, physicians might inquire about medical history, including history of gastritis in the family. Doctors may order blood tests, an upper endoscopy or a fecal test for diagnosis.